A procedure that enables astronauts in extravehicular activity (EVA) to perform efficient on-orbit assembly of large paraboloidal precision reflectors is presented. The procedure and associated hardware are verified in simulated Og ~ (neutral buoyancy) assembly tests of a 14m-diameter precision reflector mockup. The test article represents a precision reflector having a reflective surface which is segmented into 37 individual panels. The panels are supported on a doubly curved tetrahedral truss consisting of 315 struts. The entire truss and seven reflector panels were assembled in three hours and seven minutes by two pressure-suited test subjects. The average time to attach a panel was two minutes and three seconds. These efficient assembly times were achieved because all hardware and assembly procedures were designed to be compatible with EVA assembly capabilities.
Neutral buoyancy evaluation of extravehicular activity assembly of a large precision reflector
AIAA, Space Programs and Technologies Conference and Exhibit
1993-09-01
Conference paper
No indication
English
Neutral Buoyancy Evaluation of Extravehicular Activity Assembly of a Large Precision Reflector
Online Contents | 1994
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